Villanova Football Roster Preview: Experienced Haymakers On the Interior Line

This is one in a series of stories breaking down Villanova Football’s roster ahead of the 2026 season.

Villanova’s run-heavy offense begins with the big guys up front, and the Wildcats managed to retain a good deal of talent ahead of the 2026 season. Fifth year Quin Whalen (6-foot-4, 290 pounds) will anchor the offensive line at center, although he’s also capable of playing guard; Whalen started nine games at center in 2025.

The Wildcats can also rely on junior Chris McCullers, a three-year starter at guard who stands 6-foot-3 and weighs 310 pounds. Interior linemen are typically stouter than their compatriots at tackle, but McCullers has an excellent combination of height and heft, earning a spot on the preseason All-Patriot League team. From there Villanova’s experience starts to thin out, with redshirt freshman Thomas Brown (6-foot-3, 315 pounds) expected to battle for playing time. Brown has experience at both guard and center, appearing in one game as a reserve during the 2025 season. Given that the rest of his competition for the Wildcats’ final guard lacks experience, there’s a good chance that Brown locks down a starting role.

The Wildcats’ incoming freshmen are local recruit Jack Gillespie (6-foot-1, 305 pounds), who played guard at Unionville (Kennett Square, Pa.) in high school, and Will Palmer (6-foot-3, 275 pounds), a center who could stand to add some bulk. Sophomore Joey Tenaglia (6-foot-2, 280 pounds) walked on ahead of the 2026 season, while fellow sophomore Matthias Ogrinc (6-foot-4, 270 pounds) is expected to add depth and isn’t listed at a specific spot on the offensive line.

If Villanova struggles with depth this season, they could also try moving one of their tackles to the interior.